by SEBASTIAN POLONIS
STAFF WRITER
The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, with teams already deep into the first round of competition. The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are the favorites to win the championship, reflecting their dominance throughout the season.
The Celtics, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, entered the playoffs with the best regular-season record, winning over 60 games. Their roster is known for its offensive prowess, ranking second in scoring and fifth in fewest points allowed. This combination of firepower and defensive strength makes them a formidable opponent.
In the Western Conference, the defending-champion Nuggets are also strong contenders. Led by Nikola Jokic, who is widely regarded as the MVP favorite, the Nuggets have a significant edge. A recent poll from The Athletic revealed that 41.8% of players believe Jokic deserves the MVP, and 55.9% think the Nuggets will win the Finals.
Despite these strong favorites, the playoffs are notoriously unpredictable. The Miami Heat’s remarkable run to the NBA Finals last season, despite being a No. 8 seed, serves as a reminder that surprises can and do happen. After overcoming the Milwaukee Bucks and nearly toppling the Celtics, the Heat’s underdog story proves that anything is possible in the playoffs.
As the NBA Finals approach, starting on June 6, local basketball enthusiasts from the Chadwick boys’ basketball team have shared their predictions. Sophomore point guard Ezekiel Robel is backing the Celtics, highlighting their impressive starting five, including Tatum, Brown, Porzingis, and Holiday. “Their bench is deep, and they had an impressive home record,” he said.
Junior swingman Brendan Collins is rooting against the favorites, stating, “I think picking the Celtics is too predictable. I’m not going with the Nuggets either. Instead, I’m going with Luka Doncic to make a run and win MVP.”
Freshman point guard Joey Little has chosen the Clippers as his favorite, citing Russell Westbrook as a key reason. “They have Russell Westbrook,” he said. When asked about his admiration for Westbrook, Little simply remarked, “He’s him.”
Coach Stephen Norberg has selected the Milwaukee Bucks, praising their experience and the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Giannis makes his teammates better, which is something other stars don’t always do,” Norberg explained.
As the playoffs continue, keep an eye on the thrilling moments, including buzzer-beaters, clutch three-pointers, and spectacular dunks. These exciting plays are part of what makes the quest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy so captivating.
The Mainsheet 